6 Tips for How to Clean a Roof So That You Don’t End Up With Leaks

6 Tips for How to Clean a Roof So That You Don’t End Up With Leaks

Aug 9, 2018

Getting ready for the winter season? Are strong wind, monsoon rains and thunderstorms a common problem in your area?

Constantly changing weather and heavy rain are among the top reasons why people have their roofs repaired. In fact, in spring 2017, about 13.72 million people had major roof repairs in the previous 12 months.

By cleaning your roof, you can address problems like leaks. If you are wondering how to clean a roof, here are some tips to help you figure out how to proceed.

1. Clear Up the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your roof.

By cleaning up the edges where the rainwater flows, you can prevent leaks inside your home. Clearing out debris like dried leaves ensures that the water spouts are clear.

Neglecting the gutters can spell disaster for your roof and ceiling, causing damage to the wood boards or even to the roof itself. While this part of the roof is usually left alone by many homeowners, neglecting it will cause serious problems.

Neglecting the gutters could cause leaks, puddles, and possibly the whole gutter system falling off. Ensure that the gutters get cleaned at a fixed interval. You can find ways to clean them but exercise caution and proper safety procedures.

The best advice is to let the professionals clean your gutters. This ensures both your safety and the job getting done right.

2. Clean Up Dark and Shaded Areas

With roof shingles, there are areas and sides on your roof that get discolored. Those areas will need cleaning, as the stains are actually colonies of algae, which can damage your shingles by eating the asphalt and other materials it has.

There are many ways to clean up these stained areas. You can use a cleaning solution with homemade materials and scrub the areas until clean. You may need to resort to using chemicals by having them sit for a while before rinsing.

Moss is also a problem to contend with. Moss flourishes on roof portions with the least sunlight or under the shade of overhanging trees. This may require some physical work by brushing them out or spraying them with water, though the latter may damage the shingles. Work down the roof when cleaning the shingles out.

You can be rid of moss by using chemicals like diluted bleach. You’ll need the proper protective gear when handling these solutions. To prevent moss from growing back, consider cutting back any overhanging branches or limbs on the roof to expose it more to the sun.

3. Inspect and Clean the Chimneys and Skylights

While you are in the pursuit of a clean roof, you might as well consider the chimneys, skylights and whichever parts protrude from the roof itself. Inspect these if there are things that need addressing, as each can lead to leaks if left unchecked.

Make sure you have the chimneys inspected and cleaned. Also, make sure the chimneys are properly sealed to prevent further leaks.

Skylights are prone to having water trapped on them. Clean them out and ensure that these do not seep inward into the house itself.

Whatever the situation, make sure you seal these structures to avoid leaks. This way, you can avoid the dripping that these structures can potentially cause, along with the damage that comes with those leaks.

4. Check and Clean the Attic

As much as possible, inspect the attic. There may be some things that are hiding in there that a good amount of cleaning can address. When the problem is not caused by the roof, the attic is the culprit due to a variety of reasons:

Improper ventilation

Plumbing

Air conditioning

Condensation

Vent fans

Animal or bug infestation

In any case, be on a lookout for a number of things, like algae stains on the interior plywood and molds. Black rings and rust around nails indicate moisture condensing in attic spaces. Soaked insulation while there’s no rain, is also something to look out for.

By inspecting the attic for proper ventilation, you can find the cause of leaks and find ways to address and prevent future incidents. A full cleaning regimen for the attic will get rid of these problems.

5. Check the Edges and Corners

Checking the roof-to-wall transitions is important to ascertain if there are leaks seeping into it. Water has this tendency to traverse the sides of walls before forming puddles in places you don’t expect.

In these cases, check on the edges. Having drip edges is a good idea in both aesthetic and function as you have a spot where the water redirects off the roof. Without it, you might end up with wood rot, which can cause more problems to the roof deck and fascia board.

Another benefit of drip edges is that they can prevent insects and other creatures from nesting. If you are looking for leaks, check the drip edges for problems.

6. Unsure How To Clean A Roof? When in Doubt, Call a Professional

Some of these tasks are harder than you might expect. They may prove to be hazardous if safety precautions are not exercised. Without caution, you could end up injuring yourself.

If you’re unsure how to approach a particular situation, like cleaning the roof and gutters, hire professionals. With their expert help, your roof will be clean and free of possible leak sources.

Get Your Roof Cleaned Today!

If you’re looking for a professional company that knows how to clean a roof, you’re in the right place. At the end of the day, a clean and well-maintained roof prevents leaks and drips in your house. With clean gutters, chimneys, edges, and shingles free of moss and algae, you won’t have to worry about leaks and safety issues.

When it comes to maintaining your home, we offer a range of services like roof cleaning and window cleaning. Contact us today and we’ll be able to help with your cleaning needs.